New NY Firefighters Required to Live in City

For the first time in the Syracuse Fire Department, firefighters will be required to live in the city.

The new contract, which the city and IAFF Local 280 officials came to agreement on, states that all new firefighters will have to live in the city for the first five years.

"This new contract recognizes the fact that there is a benefit anytime public employees live in the jurisdiction which they serve,'' Mayor Stephanie Miner said told Syracuse.com. "I am pleased with this development and glad to see it included in the new contract agreement."

State law exempts firefighters from residency laws, but Local 280 President Paul Motondo said local collective bargaining agreements can include it. He said the agreement was made based on increased pay.

The city does not currently require police, sanitation or teachers workers to live in the city.